$100,000 for Aboriginal regional arts projects

Minister for the Arts, George Souris and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello, have today called on Indigenous arts organisations and individual artists to apply for a share of $100,000 in Government funding to help showcase and promote the Aboriginal arts and cultural sector across the State.

Mr Souris said funding through the Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund (ARAF) aims to support projects that promote regional Aboriginal artists, arts and culture in NSW.

“I encourage Indigenous artists and arts groups residing in or based in regional NSW to apply for funding of up to $3,000 for individuals and $15,000 for organisations. “Arts projects with Aboriginal people in key creative roles or which incorporate Aboriginal people as key presenters of the work are eligible to apply for this funding, “ Mr Souris said.

“Aboriginal artists and arts groups in regional communities contribute to the social and cultural richness of the nation. The NSW Government believes it is important to do all it can to help them succeed. NSW is home to the largest Indigenous community in Australia and NSW Aboriginal artists are producing high-quality works that fuse traditional stories and culture with contemporary art forms and media.”

Mr Dominello, said the arts encourage an appreciation of NSW Aboriginal arts and cultural practices, and promote broader respect and understanding of diverse Indigenous cultures within the wider community.

“Fostering a vibrant NSW Aboriginal arts and cultural sector provides positive role models and pathways for younger generations of Aboriginal kids. This funding supports Aboriginal communities in regional NSW to explore and express their cultural identities.

It also supports professional Indigenous artists across NSW so their work can continue to win acclaim from art lovers, collectors and critics across the globe.”

ARAF funding is available for projects such as workshops, performances, exhibitions, festivals or events, and artist-in-residence programs that commence after 1 July, 2014.